Palm Sunday A

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Palm Sunday AApril 17, 2011

In preparation for this Sunday’s LiturgyIn aid of focusing our homilies and sharing

Prepared by Fr. Cielo R. Almazan, OFM

11stst reading: Isaiah 50,4-7 reading: Isaiah 50,4-7

God’s goodness to the suffering servant 4 The Lord GOD has given me a well-trained

tongue, that I might know how to speak to the weary a word that will rouse them. Morning after morning he opens my ear that I may hear;

Active non-resistance 5 and I have not rebelled, have not turned back.

6 I gave my back to those who beat me, my cheeks to those who plucked my beard; my face I did not shield from buffets and spitting.

God’s goodness to the suffering servant 7 The Lord GOD is my help, therefore I am not

disgraced; I have set my face like flint, knowing that I shall not be put to shame.

The focus is on the ability to face sufferings.

11stst reading: Isaiah 50,4-7 reading: Isaiah 50,4-7God’s goodness to the

suffering servant 4 The Lord GOD has given

me a well-trained tongue, that I might know how to speak to the weary a word that will rouse them. Morning after morning he opens my ear that I may hear;

Active non-resistance to violence

5 and I have not rebelled, have not turned back. 6 I gave my back to those who beat me, my cheeks to those who plucked my beard; my face I did not shield from buffets and spitting.

God’s goodness to the suffering servant

7 The Lord GOD is my help, therefore I am not disgraced; I have set my face like flint, knowing that I shall not be put to shame.

CommentaryCommentary The reading is one of the suffering The reading is one of the suffering

servant’s songs.servant’s songs. The servant speaks in the first person.The servant speaks in the first person. In v.4, he mentions the gifts that make In v.4, he mentions the gifts that make

him prepared to embrace sufferings. him prepared to embrace sufferings. His gifts from God are: His gifts from God are:

– A well-trained tongue (ability to console A well-trained tongue (ability to console and encourage)and encourage)

– Open ears (updated with everyday Open ears (updated with everyday events, knowledge and wisdom)events, knowledge and wisdom)

In vv.5-6, the servant describes his In vv.5-6, the servant describes his behavior. behavior. – I have not rebelledI have not rebelled– I have not turned backI have not turned back– I gave my back… to those who beat meI gave my back… to those who beat me– I gave my cheeks… from those who I gave my cheeks… from those who

plucked my beardplucked my beard– I did not shield my face.. From buffets I did not shield my face.. From buffets

and spitting.and spitting.

11stst reading: Isaiah 50,4-7 reading: Isaiah 50,4-7God’s goodness to the

suffering servant 4 The Lord GOD has given

me a well-trained tongue, that I might know how to speak to the weary a word that will rouse them. Morning after morning he opens my ear that I may hear;

Active non-resistance to violence

5 and I have not rebelled, have not turned back. 6 I gave my back to those who beat me, my cheeks to those who plucked my beard; my face I did not shield from buffets and spitting.

God’s goodness to the suffering servant

7 The Lord GOD is my help, therefore I am not disgraced; I have set my face like flint, knowing that I shall not be put to shame.

Truly the suffering servant has Truly the suffering servant has submitted himself to violence, submitted himself to violence, without running away from it, without running away from it, or, taking vengeance.or, taking vengeance.

In v.7, the servant In v.7, the servant acknowledges God as a big help. acknowledges God as a big help. He acknowledges he is not He acknowledges he is not disgraced (disintegrated, lost disgraced (disintegrated, lost self-confidence).self-confidence).– I have set my face like flint I have set my face like flint (hard- (hard-

like rock).like rock).– He is not put to shame.He is not put to shame.

Reflections on the 1Reflections on the 1stst readingreading

What is the wisdom in embracing sufferings?What is the wisdom in embracing sufferings? What is the purpose of not resisting people What is the purpose of not resisting people

who make us suffer?who make us suffer? Why don’t we fight back?Why don’t we fight back?

We are called to take hold of ourselves, to We are called to take hold of ourselves, to be strong in times of trouble and be strong in times of trouble and provocations, to be men and women provocations, to be men and women standing tall, not behaving like immature or standing tall, not behaving like immature or people with a sick mind.people with a sick mind.

To be true servants, we must die as heroes.To be true servants, we must die as heroes.

22ndnd reading: Philippians 2,6- reading: Philippians 2,6-1111

The God-Christ (state of being) 6 Though he was in the form of God, did not regard

equality with God something to be grasped. The Christ-Man (state of becoming) 7 Rather, he emptied himself, taking the form of a

slave, coming in human likeness; and found human in appearance, 8 he humbled himself, becoming obedient to death, even death on a cross.

The Christ-Lord God (state of becoming and being)

9 Because of this, God greatly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, 10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bend, of those in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

The focus is on the emptying of Jesus.


The God-Christ 6 Though he was in the form of

God, did not regard equality with God something to be grasped.

The Christ-Man 7 Rather, he emptied himself,

taking the form of a slave, coming in human likeness; and found human in appearance, 8 he humbled himself, becoming obedient to death, even death on a cross.

The Christ-Lord God 9 Because of this, God greatly

exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, 10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bend, of those in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Commentary The passage is about the

emptying of Christ and as a result, his exaltation.

Jesus, as God, does not remain in his Godship.

Christ does not stay enjoying his being divine. V.6

He decides to become like us. In v.7, Christ empties himself

(kenosis) of his being God (while remaining God)

– Becoming a slave (servant), not a landowner, a slave driver, a boss, not even just an ordinary citizen

– He moves from the form of God to the form of a human.








In v.8, Jesus consciously humbles himself as a slave.

He shows humility by obeying God to death.

He dies on a cross, like a criminal.

He embraces the most cruel, most tragic, most humiliating way to die, dying without dignity, without glory and honor, without identity.








V.9 reverses everything that has happened to Jesus.

Because of his total emptying, total submission and obedience, not withholding anything for himself, he became totally nothing, worthless, (not even a basura)

God now greatly exalts him, puts him in the highest pedestal and bestows on him a great name, above all other names.

At the mention of his name,– Every knee bends– Every tongue confesses– AMGD

Christ is now greatly exalted. No one is more highly exalted

than Christ.

Reflections on the 2Reflections on the 2ndnd readingreading

To gain honor, one must first do the supreme act To gain honor, one must first do the supreme act of humility.of humility.

To gain God’s favor, we must empty ourselves To gain God’s favor, we must empty ourselves of titles, authority and security of titles, authority and security (all those garbage!).(all those garbage!).

We must appear naked before the Lord, without We must appear naked before the Lord, without defenses and pretensions.defenses and pretensions.

We must be willing to expose our vulnerability We must be willing to expose our vulnerability without feeling ashamed.without feeling ashamed.

Are you ashamed of yourself?Are you ashamed of yourself?

Gospel reading: Matthew 26,14—Gospel reading: Matthew 26,14—27,6627,66

14 Then one of the Twelve, who was called Judas Iscariot, went to the chief priests 15 and said, "What are you willing to give me if I hand him over to you?" They paid him thirty pieces of silver, 16 and from that time on he looked for an opportunity to hand him over.

The TraitorThe Traitor Judas Iscariot, the treasurer, is a traitor Judas Iscariot, the treasurer, is a traitor

of Jesus.of Jesus. He betrays Jesus by going to the chief He betrays Jesus by going to the chief

priests.priests.– In the olden times, if you have a friend In the olden times, if you have a friend

and if he goes to your enemy, he and if he goes to your enemy, he becomes your traitor.becomes your traitor.

– Surely he will say or reveal something Surely he will say or reveal something about you for your enemies’ advantage.about you for your enemies’ advantage.

Judas exchanges Jesus with 30 pieces of Judas exchanges Jesus with 30 pieces of silver silver (makes Jesus a commodity).(makes Jesus a commodity).

It is the compensation paid to a slave It is the compensation paid to a slave owner, whose slave is gorged by an ox owner, whose slave is gorged by an ox (Ex 21,32)(Ex 21,32)

He makes a little money out of the He makes a little money out of the anger of the chief priests.anger of the chief priests.

In return, he will submit to their In return, he will submit to their demand, to facilitate the capture of demand, to facilitate the capture of Jesus.Jesus.

17 On the first day of the Feast of Unleavened Bread, the disciples approached Jesus and said, "Where do you want us to prepare for you to eat the Passover?" 18 He said, "Go into the city to a certain man and tell him, 'The teacher says, "My appointed time draws near; in your house I shall celebrate the Passover with my disciples." 19 The disciples then did as Jesus had ordered, and prepared the Passover.

The Passover FeastThe Passover Feast In the feast, they eat the In the feast, they eat the

Passover meal.Passover meal. The Passover celebrates the The Passover celebrates the

liberation of the Israelites from liberation of the Israelites from the oppression in Egypt.the oppression in Egypt.

As the Israelites poised “to As the Israelites poised “to escape,” there was no time to escape,” there was no time to let the dough rise.let the dough rise.

It is celebrated in a house.It is celebrated in a house.– They prepare different kinds of They prepare different kinds of

food symbolizing their food symbolizing their sufferings, oppression and sufferings, oppression and liberation.liberation.

– They eat them in the context of They eat them in the context of story telling of their liberation story telling of their liberation from Egypt.from Egypt.

In v.18, Jesus commands them In v.18, Jesus commands them to prepare for the Passover.to prepare for the Passover.

In v.19, the disciples obey.In v.19, the disciples obey.

20 When it was evening, he reclined at table with the Twelve. 21 And while they were eating, he said, "Amen, I say to you, one of you will betray me." 22 Deeply distressed at this, they began to say to him one after another, "Surely it is not I, Lord?" 23 He said in reply, "He who has dipped his hand into the dish with me is the one who will betray me. 24 The Son of Man indeed goes, as it is written of him, but woe to that man by whom the Son of Man is betrayed. It would be better for that man if he had never been born." 25 Then Judas, his betrayer, said in reply, "Surely it is not I, Rabbi?" He answered, "You have said so."

The Passover starts at about 6 The Passover starts at about 6 PM, at sundown.PM, at sundown.

At table, while eating, Jesus At table, while eating, Jesus suddenly informs everyone suddenly informs everyone about his betrayal.about his betrayal.

He picks up the topic of the He picks up the topic of the beginning of the passion beginning of the passion narrative in v.14.narrative in v.14.

The disciples react and deny.The disciples react and deny. They are not traitors.They are not traitors. In v.23, Jesus still speaks in In v.23, Jesus still speaks in

parables. He does not directly parables. He does not directly identify his betrayer.identify his betrayer.

V.24 pronounces doom to his V.24 pronounces doom to his traitor. Better for him not to traitor. Better for him not to have been born. have been born.

V. 25 informs us that Judas is V. 25 informs us that Judas is the betrayer, but Judas also the betrayer, but Judas also denies he will betray Jesus.denies he will betray Jesus.

Jesus insists he is the traitor.Jesus insists he is the traitor.

26 While they were eating, Jesus took bread, said the blessing, broke it, and giving it to his disciples said, "Take and eat; this is my body." 27 Then he took a cup, gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, "Drink from it, all of you, 28 for this is my blood of the covenant, which will be shed on behalf of many for the forgiveness of sins.

The EucharistThe Eucharist In v.26, the story goes back to In v.26, the story goes back to

the Passover in which Jesus the Passover in which Jesus institutes the Holy Eucharist.institutes the Holy Eucharist.

The institution of the Holy The institution of the Holy Eucharist takes place in the Eucharist takes place in the context of the Jewish Passover context of the Jewish Passover Meal.Meal.

Why does Jesus say, “Take and Why does Jesus say, “Take and eat; this is my body… Drink, eat; this is my body… Drink, this is my blood.”this is my blood.”

It is a mystery.It is a mystery. Here the blood of Christ has a Here the blood of Christ has a

special treatment.special treatment. It is the blood of the new It is the blood of the new

covenant. The old one was covenant. The old one was sealed at Mt. Sinai with the sealed at Mt. Sinai with the blood of animals.blood of animals.

The eucharist is for the The eucharist is for the forgiveness of sins.forgiveness of sins.

29 I tell you, from now on I shall not drink this fruit of the vine until the day when I drink it with you new in the kingdom of my Father." 30 Then, after singing a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives. 31 Then Jesus said to them, "This night all of you will have your faith in me shaken, for it is written: 'I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock will be dispersed'; 32 but after I have been raised up, I shall go before you to Galilee."

Mount of OlivesMount of Olives After the last Supper, After the last Supper,

Jesus and his disciples Jesus and his disciples go to the Mount of go to the Mount of Olives, a good walking Olives, a good walking distance from Jerusalem.distance from Jerusalem.

There Jesus predicts that There Jesus predicts that their faith will be shaken their faith will be shaken and they will be and they will be dispersed.dispersed.

They will be They will be shepherdless, without a shepherdless, without a leader, without a voice.leader, without a voice.

The disciples will have The disciples will have no direction.no direction.

Jesus also predicts his Jesus also predicts his resurrection (and resurrection (and ascension).ascension).

33 Peter said to him in reply, "Though all may have their faith in you shaken, mine will never be." 34 Jesus said to him, "Amen, I say to you, this very night before the cock crows, you will deny me three times." 35 Peter said to him, "Even though I should have to die with you, I will not deny you." And all the disciples spoke likewise.

Peter grandstands, ”My faith Peter grandstands, ”My faith will not be shaken.”will not be shaken.”

Because of this, Jesus Because of this, Jesus predicts his (Peter’s) denial.predicts his (Peter’s) denial.

Peter assures of his faith. Peter assures of his faith. In v.34, Jesus reacts to Peter, In v.34, Jesus reacts to Peter,

predicting he will deny him predicting he will deny him three times before sunrise.three times before sunrise.

In v.35, Peter denies that he In v.35, Peter denies that he will deny Jesus.will deny Jesus.

Peter again assures of his Peter again assures of his loyalty, also the other loyalty, also the other disciples.disciples.

Peter will deny Jesus to Peter will deny Jesus to preserve himself.preserve himself.

Denial is used to preserve Denial is used to preserve oneself.oneself.

It is easy to promise not to It is easy to promise not to deny.deny.

36 Then Jesus came with them to a place called Gethsemane, and he said to his disciples, "Sit here while I go over there and pray." 37 He took along Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and began to feel sorrow and distress. 38 Then he said to them, "My soul is sorrowful even to death. Remain here and keep watch with me." 39 He advanced a little and fell prostrate in prayer, saying, "My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from me; yet, not as I will, but as you will."

Jesus praysJesus prays Gethsemane is on the Mt. of Gethsemane is on the Mt. of

Olives.Olives. Jesus prays there.Jesus prays there. He is accompanied by Peter and 2 He is accompanied by Peter and 2

sons of Zebedee. V.37sons of Zebedee. V.37 Jesus becomes depressed.Jesus becomes depressed. In v.38, Jesus invites them to be In v.38, Jesus invites them to be

with him in his prayer.with him in his prayer. V.39 indicates his posture of V.39 indicates his posture of

prayer (He prostrates).prayer (He prostrates). Jesus Jesus praysprays to his Father, asking to his Father, asking

that his cup that his cup (of suffering) may pass (of suffering) may pass from him.from him.

Yet, Jesus states his willingness Yet, Jesus states his willingness to comply with God’s will.to comply with God’s will.

40 When he returned to his disciples he found them asleep. He said to Peter, "So you could not keep watch with me for one hour? 41 Watch and pray that you may not undergo the test. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak." 42 Withdrawing a second time, he prayed again, "My Father, if it is not possible that this cup pass without my drinking it, your will be done!"

In v.40, Jesus returns to his In v.40, Jesus returns to his disciples for the first time disciples for the first time (to (to check what they are doing) but they check what they are doing) but they are asleep. are asleep.

Supposedly they are drunk Supposedly they are drunk because of the 4 cups of wine because of the 4 cups of wine at the Passover at the Passover (Last Supper).(Last Supper).

Jesus addresses himself to Peter.Jesus addresses himself to Peter. He challenges him to pray with He challenges him to pray with

him for an hour.him for an hour. In verse 41, Jesus encourages In verse 41, Jesus encourages

Peter to pray to overcome Peter to pray to overcome temptations.temptations.

In v.42, Jesus goes back to his In v.42, Jesus goes back to his former place to pray.former place to pray.

He repeats his prayer in v.39. He repeats his prayer in v.39. He is willing to do the will of He is willing to do the will of God as he taught in the “Our God as he taught in the “Our Father.”Father.”

43 Then he returned once more and found them asleep, for they could not keep their eyes open. 44 He left them and withdrew again and prayed a third time, saying the same thing again. 45 Then he returned to his disciples and said to them, "Are you still sleeping and taking your rest? Behold, the hour is at hand when the Son of Man is to be handed over to sinners. 46 Get up, let us go. Look, my betrayer is at hand."

Jesus returns again to his Jesus returns again to his disciples, who are in deep disciples, who are in deep sleep.sleep.

He does not disturb them.He does not disturb them. He goes back to He goes back to pray again.pray again. In v.45, he returns again for In v.45, he returns again for

the last time to his disciples.the last time to his disciples. He has finished praying.He has finished praying. This time, Jesus questions This time, Jesus questions

them again for they are still them again for they are still sleeping.sleeping.

Now they should be awake because Now they should be awake because the hour of his betrayal has come.the hour of his betrayal has come.

They should They should not miss the action.not miss the action. They should be able to witness They should be able to witness

the highpoint the highpoint of his life of of his life of supreme sacrifice.supreme sacrifice.

In v.46, Jesus now compels In v.46, Jesus now compels them to move.them to move.

Now is the action.Now is the action.

47 While he was still speaking, Judas, one of the Twelve, arrived, accompanied by a large crowd, with swords and clubs, who had come from the chief priests and the elders of the people. 48 His betrayer had arranged a sign with them, saying, "The man I shall kiss is the one; arrest him." 49 Immediately he went over to Jesus and said, "Hail, Rabbi!" and he kissed him. 50 Jesus answered him, "Friend, do what you have come for." Then stepping forward they laid hands on Jesus and arrested him.

The Betrayal and arrestThe Betrayal and arrest True enough, Judas True enough, Judas

arrives with a large crowd arrives with a large crowd armed with weapons.armed with weapons.

They are sent by the chief They are sent by the chief priests and elders, the priests and elders, the highest officials of the highest officials of the land.land.

In vv.48-49, Judas informs In vv.48-49, Judas informs of his “password.” of his “password.” – He will betray Jesus with a He will betray Jesus with a

kiss.kiss. In v.50, Jesus allows him In v.50, Jesus allows him

to complete his to complete his “mission.”“mission.”

Now Jesus is in the hands Now Jesus is in the hands of the crowd.of the crowd.

51 And behold, one of those who accompanied Jesus put his hand to his sword, drew it, and struck the high priest's servant, cutting off his ear. 52 Then Jesus said to him, "Put your sword back into its sheath, for all who take the sword will perish by the sword. 53 Do you think that I cannot call upon my Father and he will not provide me at this moment with more than twelve legions of angels?

Jesus’ companion, maybe a Jesus’ companion, maybe a sympathizer, not necessarily sympathizer, not necessarily an apostle, has a sword.an apostle, has a sword.

He is not disarmed.He is not disarmed. Why is he allowed to carry Why is he allowed to carry

the sword as he accompanies the sword as he accompanies Jesus?Jesus?

Maybe he is not a threat to Maybe he is not a threat to the mob.the mob.

Jesus’ companion becomes Jesus’ companion becomes violent and he cuts off the ear violent and he cuts off the ear of the high priest’s servant.of the high priest’s servant.

In v.52, Jesus rebukes him, In v.52, Jesus rebukes him, warning him, “violence will be warning him, “violence will be met with violence.”met with violence.”

““Don’t begin the spiral of Don’t begin the spiral of violence.”violence.”

54 But then how would the scriptures be fulfilled which say that it must come to pass in this way?" 55 At that hour Jesus said to the crowds, "Have you come out as against a robber, with swords and clubs to seize me? Day after day I sat teaching in the temple area, yet you did not arrest me. 56 But all this has come to pass that the writings of the prophets may be fulfilled.“ Then all the disciples left him and fled.

Jesus sees the danger of being Jesus sees the danger of being violent.violent.

God’s plan may not be fulfilled.God’s plan may not be fulfilled. His violent death may be His violent death may be

aborted.aborted. In v.55, Jesus also rebukes the In v.55, Jesus also rebukes the

crowd because of their violent crowd because of their violent posture, whereas before they posture, whereas before they were listening to him when he were listening to him when he was teaching.was teaching.

In v.56, Jesus interprets these In v.56, Jesus interprets these things as fulfilling the things as fulfilling the prophets.prophets.

The drama of salvation must The drama of salvation must go on as predicted by the go on as predicted by the prophets.prophets.

At this moment, the disciples At this moment, the disciples veered away from him (for fear veered away from him (for fear of their lives).of their lives).

At this point, Jesus is all alone.At this point, Jesus is all alone.

57 Those who had arrested Jesus led him away to Caiaphas the high priest, where the scribes and the elders were assembled. 58 Peter was following him at a distance as far as the high priest's courtyard, and going inside he sat down with the servants to see the outcome. 59 The chief priests and the entire Sanhedrin kept trying to obtain false testimony against Jesus in order to put him to death,

The arresting officers bring him to The arresting officers bring him to Caiaphas, the high priest.Caiaphas, the high priest.

The high priest is the leader of the The high priest is the leader of the group of chief priests, who not only group of chief priests, who not only governs the Temple precincts and governs the Temple precincts and services, but also the temporal affairs services, but also the temporal affairs of the nation of the nation (diplomacy and judiciary).(diplomacy and judiciary).

The group is called Sanhedrin.The group is called Sanhedrin. In v.58, Peter follows at the distance In v.58, Peter follows at the distance

(like Nicodemus in John).(like Nicodemus in John). In v.59, the chief priests and the In v.59, the chief priests and the

entire Sanhedrin seek reasons / entire Sanhedrin seek reasons / excuses to put Jesus to death.excuses to put Jesus to death.

For them it is OK to have false For them it is OK to have false witnesses.witnesses.

There was malice in the arrest of There was malice in the arrest of Jesus.Jesus.

They want to kill him by hook or by They want to kill him by hook or by crook.crook.

They simply want to waste the life of They simply want to waste the life of this man, whose teachings disturb this man, whose teachings disturb them.them.

60 but they found none, though many false witnesses came forward. Finally two came forward 61 who stated, "This man said, 'I can destroy the temple of God and within three days rebuild it.'" 62 The high priest rose and addressed him, "Have you no answer? What are these men testifying against you?" 63 But Jesus was silent. Then the high priest said to him, "I order you to tell us under oath before the living God whether you are the Messiah, the Son of God." 64 Jesus said to him in reply, "You have said so. But I tell you: From now on you will see 'the Son of Man seated at the right hand of the Power' and 'coming on the clouds of heaven.'"

Now, they find two false witnesses and Now, they find two false witnesses and they take them seriously.they take them seriously.

They testify against him, using a They testify against him, using a fantastic accusation.fantastic accusation.

They misinterpret his statement, when They misinterpret his statement, when he was cleaning up the Temple.he was cleaning up the Temple.

The Temple he was referring to was The Temple he was referring to was his body.his body.

The trial of Jesus is a farce from the The trial of Jesus is a farce from the start.start.

Jesus is not interested to answer. He is Jesus is not interested to answer. He is quiet. quiet. V.63.V.63.

Now the high priest asks him to Now the high priest asks him to declare under oath declare under oath (to say the truth, (to say the truth, otherwise he will be accused of perjuryotherwise he will be accused of perjury):):– That he is the Messiah, the Son of God.That he is the Messiah, the Son of God.

Jesus claims it is the high priest, who Jesus claims it is the high priest, who has said so. He does not deny. has said so. He does not deny.

He claims he is the Son of Man… (the He claims he is the Son of Man… (the title addressed only to the apocalyptic title addressed only to the apocalyptic man, who will come to judge the man, who will come to judge the world.)world.)

They hear what they don’t want to They hear what they don’t want to hear.hear.

65 Then the high priest tore his robes and said, "He has blasphemed! What further need have we of witnesses? You have now heard the blasphemy; 66 what is your opinion?" They said in reply, "He deserves to die!" 67 Then they spat in his face and struck him, while some slapped him, 68 saying, "Prophesy for us, Messiah: who is it that struck you?"

The high priest accuses him The high priest accuses him of blasphemy.of blasphemy.

Jesus incriminates himself.Jesus incriminates himself. In v.67, begins the physical In v.67, begins the physical

and psychological violence and psychological violence on Jesus.on Jesus.

They play a sport out of him. They play a sport out of him. (violation of human rights).(violation of human rights).

There were no human rights There were no human rights group yet during the time of group yet during the time of Jesus.Jesus.

Nowadays, we have more Nowadays, we have more sophisticated (complicated) sophisticated (complicated) justice system, which makes justice system, which makes it difficult to convict the it difficult to convict the guilty and release the guilty and release the innocent.innocent.

69 Now Peter was sitting outside in the courtyard. One of the maids came over to him and said, "You too were with Jesus the Galilean." 70 But he denied it in front of everyone, saying, "I do not know what you are talking about!" 71 As he went out to the gate, another girl saw him and said to those who were there, "This man was with Jesus the Nazorean." 72 Again he denied it with an oath, "I do not know the man!"

Peter’s DenialsPeter’s Denials The author goes back to Peter.The author goes back to Peter. He is last mentioned in v.58.He is last mentioned in v.58. The maid recognize him, but The maid recognize him, but

he denies he was with Jesus.he denies he was with Jesus.– He does not know the man. He does not know the man.

(He misses his opportunity to (He misses his opportunity to make good of his promise in make good of his promise in vv.33 and 35 at Last Supper).vv.33 and 35 at Last Supper).

Another girl recognizes him, Another girl recognizes him, but he denies it just the same.but he denies it just the same.– Again, he gets worse. He Again, he gets worse. He

denies it with an oath.denies it with an oath. Peter is also under trial.Peter is also under trial. He does not know how to He does not know how to

react.react. He is not so different from He is not so different from

Judas Iscariot who betrayed Judas Iscariot who betrayed him.him.

73 A little later the bystanders came over and said to Peter, "Surely you too are one of them; even your speech gives you away." 74 At that he began to curse and to swear, "I do not know the man." And immediately a cock crowed. 75 Then Peter remembered the word that Jesus had spoken: "Before the cock crows you will deny me three times." He went out and began to weep bitterly.

For the third time, he is For the third time, he is identified as having been with identified as having been with Jesus.Jesus.

Peter becomes worst. He Peter becomes worst. He curses, sticking to his denials.curses, sticking to his denials.

At this, a cock crows.At this, a cock crows. Peter remembers what Jesus Peter remembers what Jesus

told him.told him. He has been foolish all the He has been foolish all the

time.time. He pretends to be strong, yet He pretends to be strong, yet

in trial, he is weak.in trial, he is weak. Self-preservation is more Self-preservation is more

important than solidarity with important than solidarity with Jesus.Jesus.

The consequence: Peter feels The consequence: Peter feels bad about himself.bad about himself.

He is a coward. He is a coward. He is not the man he claims He is not the man he claims

to be.to be.

27:1 When it was morning, all the chief priests and the elders of the people took counsel against Jesus to put him to death. 2 They bound him, led him away, and handed him over to Pilate, the governor. 3 Then Judas, his betrayer, seeing that Jesus had been condemned, deeply regretted what he had done. He returned the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders, 4 saying, "I have sinned in betraying innocent blood." They said, "What is that to us? Look to it yourself." 5 Flinging the money into the temple, he departed and went off and hanged himself.

Next day, the leaders busy Next day, the leaders busy themselves with putting Jesus to themselves with putting Jesus to death.death.

They bring Jesus to Pilate, the They bring Jesus to Pilate, the governor (procurator).governor (procurator).

Judas regrets, but it’s too lateJudas regrets, but it’s too late In v.3, Judas appears again, In v.3, Judas appears again,

regretting what he has done.regretting what he has done. He is not happy.He is not happy. He returns the 30 pieces of silver to He returns the 30 pieces of silver to

the leaders.the leaders. But it does not reverse the decision But it does not reverse the decision

of the leaders.of the leaders. His realization that he betrayed an His realization that he betrayed an

innocent man does not do any good innocent man does not do any good to Jesus.to Jesus.

The leaders do not help him.The leaders do not help him. They just used him.They just used him. They are not interested in their They are not interested in their

money back and releasing Jesus, money back and releasing Jesus, but pursuing the death of Jesus.but pursuing the death of Jesus.

In v.5, Judas loses everything In v.5, Judas loses everything (Jesus, money, leaders) including (Jesus, money, leaders) including his life.his life.

6 The chief priests gathered up the money, but said, "It is not lawful to deposit this in the temple treasury, for it is the price of blood." 7 After consultation, they used it to buy the potter's field as a burial place for foreigners. 8 That is why that field even today is called the Field of Blood. 9 Then was fulfilled what had been said through Jeremiah the prophet, "And they took the thirty pieces of silver, the value of a man with a price on his head, a price set by some of the Israelites, 10 and they paid it out for the potter's field just as the Lord had commanded me."

The Blood MoneyThe Blood Money Here in vv.6-7, the Here in vv.6-7, the

leaders decide to use the leaders decide to use the money for the burial site money for the burial site for foreigners.for foreigners.

They don’t want to keep They don’t want to keep it in the Temple treasury. it in the Temple treasury. It is blood money.It is blood money.

It became blood money It became blood money through their own fault. through their own fault.

Their decision Their decision incidentally fulfills a incidentally fulfills a prophecy from Jeremiah.prophecy from Jeremiah.

This is problematic in This is problematic in Matthew because his Matthew because his claim does not appear in claim does not appear in the book of Jeremiah.the book of Jeremiah.

11 Now Jesus stood before the governor, and he questioned him, "Are you the king of the Jews?" Jesus said, "You say so."

13 Then Pilate said to him, "Do you not hear how many things they are testifying against you?" 14 But he did not answer him one word, so that the governor was greatly amazed.

Before Governor PilateBefore Governor Pilate Now the scene is with Pilate.Now the scene is with Pilate. Pilate has a different Pilate has a different

question: Are you the king of question: Are you the king of the Jews?the Jews?

It is more of a political It is more of a political question.question.

Jesus’ way of answering is the Jesus’ way of answering is the same. “You say so.”same. “You say so.”

Pilate asks if Jesus is aware of Pilate asks if Jesus is aware of the many (false) testimonies the many (false) testimonies against him.against him.

Jesus is quiet.Jesus is quiet. He does not entertain him.He does not entertain him.

15 Now on the occasion of the feast the governor was accustomed to release to the crowd one prisoner whom they wished. 16 And at that time they had a notorious prisoner called (Jesus) Barabbas. 17 So when they had assembled, Pilate said to them, "Which one do you want me to release to you, (Jesus) Barabbas, or Jesus called Messiah?" 18 For he knew that it was out of envy that they had handed him over. 19 While he was still seated on the bench, his wife sent him a message, "Have nothing to do with that righteous man. I suffered much in a dream today because of him."

Pilate does not intend to Pilate does not intend to kill Jesus.kill Jesus.

He suggests to release He suggests to release him taking advantage of him taking advantage of the occasion (Passover).the occasion (Passover).

He hopes people would He hopes people would choose to release him, choose to release him, instead of Barabbas.instead of Barabbas.

He knows the reasons He knows the reasons why they want to kill why they want to kill him. (envy, v.18)him. (envy, v.18)

V.19 adds more reason V.19 adds more reason that Jesus should be that Jesus should be released.released.– Pilate’s wife had a bad Pilate’s wife had a bad

dream because of him.dream because of him.

20 The chief priests and the elders persuaded the crowds to ask for Barabbas but to destroy Jesus. 21 The governor said to them in reply, "Which of the two do you want me to release to you?" They answered, "Barabbas!" 22 Pilate said to them, "Then what shall I do with Jesus called Messiah?" They all said, "Let him be crucified!" 23 But he said, "Why? What evil has he done?" They only shouted the louder, "Let him be crucified!"

The leaders persuade The leaders persuade people to release people to release Barabbas instead of Barabbas instead of Jesus.Jesus.

People clamor to People clamor to crucify Jesus.crucify Jesus.

Crucifixion was used by Crucifixion was used by the Romans as a form the Romans as a form of capital punishment of capital punishment for convicted criminals for convicted criminals as a deterrent to those as a deterrent to those who are planning to do who are planning to do crimes.crimes.

24 When Pilate saw that he was not succeeding at all, but that a riot was breaking out instead, he took water and washed his hands in the sight of the crowd, saying, "I am innocent of this man's blood. Look to it yourselves." 25 And the whole people said in reply, "His blood be upon us and upon our children."

Pilate gives in to the noisy cry Pilate gives in to the noisy cry of the people.of the people.

He is afraid of rioting.He is afraid of rioting. Rioting is a senseless reaction Rioting is a senseless reaction

of a crowd or mob, which does of a crowd or mob, which does violence to people and violence to people and destruction to properties.destruction to properties.

Pilate washes his hands from Pilate washes his hands from responsibility over Jesus.responsibility over Jesus.

He fails to release Jesus.He fails to release Jesus. He is overwhelmed by the He is overwhelmed by the

unruly crowd.unruly crowd. He does not have trained riot He does not have trained riot

policemen.policemen. The people take the The people take the

responsibility.responsibility. What they say would be What they say would be

misused by Hitler 2 thousand misused by Hitler 2 thousand years later.years later.

26 Then he released Barabbas to them, but after he had Jesus scourged, he handed him over to be crucified. 27 Then the soldiers of the governor took Jesus inside the praetorium and gathered the whole cohort around him. 28 They stripped off his clothes and threw a scarlet military cloak about him. 29 Weaving a crown out of thorns, they placed it on his head, and a reed in his right hand. And kneeling before him, they mocked him, saying, "Hail, King of the Jews!" 30 They spat upon him and took the reed and kept striking him on the head. 31 And when they had mocked him, they stripped him of the cloak, dressed him in his own clothes, and led him off to crucify him.

Jesus is scourged (introduction Jesus is scourged (introduction to crucifixion).to crucifixion).

The soldiers take him to the The soldiers take him to the praetorium (residence of the praetorium (residence of the Roman governor).Roman governor).

Cohort is composed of 600 Cohort is composed of 600 soldiers. An overkill to an soldiers. An overkill to an unarmed civilian. V.27unarmed civilian. V.27

What did they do to prevent the What did they do to prevent the riot?riot?

Military cloak is the royal purple Military cloak is the royal purple worn by kings. V.28worn by kings. V.28

Crown of thorns resembles the Crown of thorns resembles the “radiant” crown worn by “radiant” crown worn by Hellenistic kings.Hellenistic kings.

The soldiers put this crown to The soldiers put this crown to make fun of him, not so much make fun of him, not so much to hurt him.to hurt him.

The reed resembles the scepter The reed resembles the scepter (v.30)(v.30)

When soldiers take over your When soldiers take over your life, anything can happen. You life, anything can happen. You are helpless.are helpless.

32 As they were going out, they met a Cyrenian named Simon; this man they pressed into service to carry his cross. 33 And when they came to a place called Golgotha (which means Place of the Skull), 34 they gave Jesus wine to drink mixed with gall. But when he had tasted it, he refused to drink.

Simon of Cyrene Simon of Cyrene (Cyrenaica (Cyrenaica was a Roman province of north was a Roman province of north Africa)Africa) comes from the crowd. comes from the crowd.

He is forced to help him He is forced to help him carry the cross.carry the cross.

Golgotha is their destination, Golgotha is their destination, the place of crucifixion.the place of crucifixion.

The drink offered to Jesus The drink offered to Jesus serves to anaesthesize him serves to anaesthesize him so that he will not feel so so that he will not feel so much pain.much pain.

Jesus refuses to take it after Jesus refuses to take it after tasting it.tasting it.

He did not know what it was.He did not know what it was. Jesus prefers to feel the pain Jesus prefers to feel the pain

through and through.through and through.

35 After they had crucified him, they divided his garments by casting lots; 36 then they sat down and kept watch over him there. 37 And they placed over his head the written charge against him: This is Jesus, the King of the Jews. 38 Two revolutionaries were crucified with him, one on his right and the other on his left. 39 Those passing by reviled him, shaking their heads 40 and saying, "You who would destroy the temple and rebuild it in three days, save yourself, if you are the Son of God, (and) come down from the cross!"

There is no elaborate There is no elaborate description how he was description how he was crucified.crucified.

In v.35, the focus is shifted to In v.35, the focus is shifted to the activities of the soldiers:the activities of the soldiers:– Dividing of garments.Dividing of garments.– Placing of the placardPlacing of the placard– Crucifixion also of two Crucifixion also of two

revolutionaries (probably revolutionaries (probably Zealots), not thievesZealots), not thieves

The attention is also on the The attention is also on the activities of the passers by:activities of the passers by:– They revile himThey revile him– They shake their headsThey shake their heads– They dare him to save himself.They dare him to save himself.– They make him eat his words in They make him eat his words in

these moments of agony.these moments of agony.

41 Likewise the chief priests with the scribes and elders mocked him and said, 42 "He saved others; he cannot save himself. So he is the king of Israel! Let him come down from the cross now, and we will believe in him. 43 He trusted in God; let him deliver him now if he wants him. For he said, 'I am the Son of God.'" 44 The revolutionaries who were crucified with him also kept abusing him in the same way.

The chief priests and The chief priests and others join the soldiers others join the soldiers and passers by in and passers by in mocking Jesus.mocking Jesus.

They say more.They say more. They also lower They also lower

themselves down.themselves down. Also the Also the

revolutionaries join revolutionaries join the chorus.the chorus.

Jesus is all alone with Jesus is all alone with no one to comfort him.no one to comfort him.

45 From noon onward, darkness came over the whole land until three in the afternoon. 46 And about three o'clock Jesus cried out in a loud voice, "Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?" which means, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" 47 Some of the bystanders who heard it said, "This one is calling for Elijah." 48 Immediately one of them ran to get a sponge; he soaked it in wine, and putting it on a reed, gave it to him to drink. 49 But the rest said, "Wait, let us see if Elijah comes to save him." 50 But Jesus cried out again in a loud voice, and gave up his spirit.

Jesus opens his mouth only at 3 Jesus opens his mouth only at 3 PM.PM.

In Aramaic, his dialect, he In Aramaic, his dialect, he expresses his utter loneliness, expresses his utter loneliness, crying out, “My God, my God, crying out, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”why have you forsaken me?”

It sounded like he was calling It sounded like he was calling Elijah. V.47Elijah. V.47

They give him wine to drink. It is They give him wine to drink. It is not said whether he takes it.not said whether he takes it.

In v.49, they wait if Elijah would In v.49, they wait if Elijah would come down to save him.come down to save him.

In v.50, Jesus breathes his last.In v.50, Jesus breathes his last. He cries out aloud and gives up He cries out aloud and gives up

his spirit.his spirit. That’s the end of his earthly life.That’s the end of his earthly life.

51 And behold, the veil of the sanctuary was torn in two from top to bottom. The earth quaked, rocks were split, 52 tombs were opened, and the bodies of many saints who had fallen asleep were raised. 53 And coming forth from their tombs after his resurrection, they entered the holy city and appeared to many. 54 The centurion and the men with him who were keeping watch over Jesus feared greatly when they saw the earthquake and all that was happening, and they said, "Truly, this was the Son of God!" 55 There were many women there, looking on from a distance, who had followed Jesus from Galilee, ministering to him. 56 Among them were Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of James and Joseph, and the mother of the sons of Zebedee.

In v.51, the attention is In v.51, the attention is shifted to the Temple.shifted to the Temple.

The sanctuary veil is torn into The sanctuary veil is torn into two.two.

This is probably the inner veil This is probably the inner veil of the sanctuary. There are of the sanctuary. There are two veils (the other one is the two veils (the other one is the outer, before the entrance of outer, before the entrance of the Holy of Holies).the Holy of Holies).

There are other happenings:There are other happenings:– Earth quaking, rocks Earth quaking, rocks

splitting, dead coming back splitting, dead coming back to life, coming to Jerusalem.to life, coming to Jerusalem.

The happenings force the The happenings force the centurion and his men to centurion and his men to acknowledge he is the Son of acknowledge he is the Son of God. V.54God. V.54

V.55 indicates women V.55 indicates women disciples have been following disciples have been following Jesus at a distance.Jesus at a distance.

These women also have left These women also have left everything and followed him.everything and followed him.

57 When it was evening, there came a rich man from Arimathea named Joseph, who was himself a disciple of Jesus. 58 He went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus; then Pilate ordered it to be handed over. 59 Taking the body, Joseph wrapped it (in) clean linen 60 and laid it in his new tomb that he had hewn in the rock. Then he rolled a huge stone across the entrance to the tomb and departed. 61 But Mary Magdalene and the other Mary remained sitting there, facing the tomb.

Towards the end of Towards the end of the day, Joseph of the day, Joseph of Arimathea, a disciple Arimathea, a disciple of Jesus, approaches of Jesus, approaches Pilate for his body.Pilate for his body.

Pilate allows him to Pilate allows him to take the body down take the body down and wrapped it with and wrapped it with clean linen and put it clean linen and put it in a tomb, with a huge in a tomb, with a huge stone rolled across.stone rolled across.

Mary Magdalene and Mary Magdalene and other Mary remain other Mary remain near the tomb. Why?near the tomb. Why?

62 The next day, the one following the day of preparation, the chief priests and the Pharisees gathered before Pilate 63 and said, "Sir, we remember that this impostor while still alive said, 'After three days I will be raised up.' 64 Give orders, then, that the grave be secured until the third day, lest his disciples come and steal him and say to the people, 'He has been raised from the dead.' This last imposture would be worse than the first." 65 Pilate said to them, "The guard is yours; go secure it as best you can." 66 So they went and secured the tomb by fixing a seal to the stone and setting the guard.

For us it is the same day, For us it is the same day, Friday evening, but for Friday evening, but for the Jews, it is the the Jews, it is the Sabbath.Sabbath.

The day starts at The day starts at sundown.sundown.

The chief priests and the The chief priests and the Pharisees are still worried Pharisees are still worried what would happen next.what would happen next.

They ask Pilate to guard They ask Pilate to guard his tomb, to prevent his his tomb, to prevent his disciples from stealing disciples from stealing his body, thus claiming his body, thus claiming he is raised from the he is raised from the dead.dead.

Pilate grants their Pilate grants their request.request.

Jesus Christ

The Characters of the Passion Narrative

Chief priests and elders of Israel

Soldiers (cohorts)

Crowds (

people)

Disciples/apostles

Women disciplesJoseph of Arimathea

Simon of Cyrene

Caiaphas

Pilate

Judas

Iscariot

PeterPharisees and

scribes

Where do you find yourself in this drama of accusation, mock trial, sentence and execution?

Reflections on the gospel Reflections on the gospel readingreading

It is clear at the outset that religious authorities (the It is clear at the outset that religious authorities (the ruling class at that time) do not like Jesus of ruling class at that time) do not like Jesus of Nazareth.Nazareth.

His identity and his teachings disturb them.His identity and his teachings disturb them. They use the pagan Romans to execute Jesus for They use the pagan Romans to execute Jesus for

their comfort.their comfort. The story is called the passion narrative. It is so The story is called the passion narrative. It is so

coined to portray the harsh experience of Jesus.coined to portray the harsh experience of Jesus. It demonstrates how Jesus is falsely accused, It demonstrates how Jesus is falsely accused,

unjustly tried and the trial was motivated with envy unjustly tried and the trial was motivated with envy or anger or a deep insecurity.or anger or a deep insecurity.

With this kind of people (chief priests, Pharisees and With this kind of people (chief priests, Pharisees and scribes), no one can be spared even the God-Jesus.scribes), no one can be spared even the God-Jesus.

Their insecurity is totally destructive.Their insecurity is totally destructive. They can do it to Jesus, how much more to others?They can do it to Jesus, how much more to others?

Tying the 3 readingsTying the 3 readings

The first reading is about the song of the The first reading is about the song of the suffering servant.suffering servant.

The second reading is a deep reflection on The second reading is a deep reflection on the emptying of Christ-God and his utter the emptying of Christ-God and his utter humility to become a man-servant.humility to become a man-servant.

The gospel reading portrays the terrible The gospel reading portrays the terrible sufferings of Jesus inflicted by the higher sufferings of Jesus inflicted by the higher ups, just because they don’t like him.ups, just because they don’t like him.

How to develop your homily / How to develop your homily / sharingsharing

The homilist or sharer must emphasize the The homilist or sharer must emphasize the cause of sufferings of all human beings.cause of sufferings of all human beings.

We cause the sufferings of others if we We cause the sufferings of others if we refuse to see their ‘light’. refuse to see their ‘light’. (the sin of the (the sin of the chief priests and high priest)chief priests and high priest)

We cause the sufferings of others if we We cause the sufferings of others if we allow ourselves to be used to demolish allow ourselves to be used to demolish others in exchange for money others in exchange for money (the sin of (the sin of Judas Iscariot)Judas Iscariot)

We cause the sufferings of others, if we We cause the sufferings of others, if we allow ourselves to be bribed by the rich and allow ourselves to be bribed by the rich and powerful to do dirty jobs against the powerful to do dirty jobs against the hapless innocent. hapless innocent. (the sin of the crowds)(the sin of the crowds)

We cause the sufferings of others, by not We cause the sufferings of others, by not making a strong stand against injustice, but making a strong stand against injustice, but allowing ourselves to be overcome by allowing ourselves to be overcome by events (mobs) and wash our hands of events (mobs) and wash our hands of responsibility. responsibility. (the sin of Pilate)(the sin of Pilate)

We cause the sufferings of our friends, if we We cause the sufferings of our friends, if we don’t recognize our special relationship with don’t recognize our special relationship with them in times of need. them in times of need. (the sin of Peter)(the sin of Peter)

We cause the sufferings of others by We cause the sufferings of others by senselessly making fun of people who are senselessly making fun of people who are defenseless. defenseless. (the sin of the soldiers)(the sin of the soldiers)

We cause the sufferings of others by We cause the sufferings of others by justifying it in the name of religion. justifying it in the name of religion. (the sin (the sin of the Pharisees and scribes)of the Pharisees and scribes)

The homilist or sharer can develop also The homilist or sharer can develop also the meaning of suffering.the meaning of suffering.

Our sufferings can be more meaningful if Our sufferings can be more meaningful if we connect them with Jesus.we connect them with Jesus.

No suffering is ever justifiable. We do not No suffering is ever justifiable. We do not choose how we suffer, otherwise it is not choose how we suffer, otherwise it is not suffering.suffering.

If we are suffering unjustly, let it be.If we are suffering unjustly, let it be. It is the only way to understand the It is the only way to understand the

sufferings of Jesus.sufferings of Jesus. After a time of fighting / doing (as when After a time of fighting / doing (as when

Jesus was still teaching, arguing and Jesus was still teaching, arguing and proving his enemies wrong), expect time proving his enemies wrong), expect time for suffering.for suffering.

We, Christians, should be able to submit We, Christians, should be able to submit ourselves to suffering.ourselves to suffering.

The eucharist is the sacrament of suffering.The eucharist is the sacrament of suffering. We find connection with Christ when we We find connection with Christ when we

suffer with him.suffer with him. The eucharist strengthens us in our The eucharist strengthens us in our

sufferings.sufferings. In the eucharist, if we truly believe in His In the eucharist, if we truly believe in His

presence, we find consolation in our presence, we find consolation in our sufferings.sufferings.

The eucharist helps us realize that the way of The eucharist helps us realize that the way of the cross is the only way to salvation.the cross is the only way to salvation.

Without acceptance of suffering like the Without acceptance of suffering like the suffering servant, we cannot be in total suffering servant, we cannot be in total communion with Jesus in the eucharist.communion with Jesus in the eucharist.

Our Context of Sin and Our Context of Sin and GraceGrace

Short patience Low tolerant level Vindictive Vengeance Runs away from

pain, coward Inability to suffer No solidarity

Ability to suffer quietly

Kenosis, emptying Humility Solidarity

Spiritual

Palm Sunday A